A comparative experimental investigation of deep-hole micro-EDM drilling capability for cemented carbide (WC-Co) against austenitic stainless steel (SUS 304)

Microelectro-discharge machining (micro-EDM) has become a widely accepted non-traditional material removal process for machining difficult-to-cut but conductive materials effectively and economically. The present study aims to investigate the feasibility of machining deep microholes in two difficult-to-cut materials: cemented carbide (WC-Co) and austenitic stainless steel (SUS 304) using the micro-EDM drilling. The effect of discharge energy and electro-thermal material properties on the performance of the two work materials during the micro-EDM drilling has also been investigated. The micro-EDM drilling performance of two materials has been assessed based on the quality and accuracy of the produced microholes, machining stability, material removal rate (MRR), and electrode wear ratio. The results show that deep-hole micro-EDM drilling is technically more feasible in WC-Co as it offers microholes with smooth and burr-free surfaces at the rim in addition to improved circularity and lower overcut than those provided by SUS 304. Moreover, WC-Co exhibits better machinability during the deep-hole micro-EDM drilling, providing relatively higher MRR and stable machining.